The Ninth Brussels Conference on 17 March aims to support Syria during a transformative period. It seeks international backing for a Syrian-led transition, addressing humanitarian needs and fostering long-term recovery. The EU and UN partnership emphasizes aid mobilization, refugee return standards, and accountability efforts, showcasing commitment to a free and prosperous Syria.
The Ninth Brussels Conference, titled “Standing with Syria: Meeting the Needs for a Successful Transition,” will take place on 17 March, hosted by the European Union. This important event seeks to reinforce steadfast support for the Syrian people as they embark on a transformative journey amid the fall of the Assad regime, empowering them to influence their own future. The European Union and the United Nations are committed to fostering a Syrian-led, inclusive transition and addressing urgent humanitarian needs while supporting long-term economic recovery and stabilization efforts to establish a free and prosperous Syria.
A primary goal of the Brussels Conference is to garner international support for Syria’s transition, aiming to generate pledges for both humanitarian and non-humanitarian assistance. This includes ensuring consistent support for Syrians residing in Syria as well as in host communities across Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye, Egypt, and Iraq. The conference underscores the necessity of a coordinated response to effectively address both immediate and long-term challenges facing the region.
The longstanding cooperation between the EU and the UN is integral in addressing the Syrian crisis. The EU advocates for a UN-mediated, Syrian-led political solution, consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and the 2012 Geneva Communiqué. The EU maintains active engagement with regional and international partners and Syrian civil society to strengthen the UN-led Geneva process, demonstrating commitment to achieving a political resolution.
Since the onset of the crisis in 2011, the EU and its Member States have mobilized over €30 billion in aid, becoming the largest global donor for the Syrian crisis. This funding supports humanitarian assistance, stabilization, and resilience-building initiatives, both within Syria and in neighboring nations. The EU-UN collaboration also seeks to address the displacement crisis, ensuring that the return of refugees follows UNHCR standards of voluntary, safe, and dignified processes.
Additionally, the EU is invested in ensuring justice and accountability by supporting bodies such as the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism (IIIM) and the UN Commission of Inquiry. The EU also backs initiatives aimed at clarifying the status of Syria’s missing persons, thereby promoting lasting justice and reconciliation. Later this year, the EU intends to hold a civil society event in Damascus to maintain an ongoing connection with Syrian communities.
On 18 March, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf will conduct a senior-level workshop entitled “How to ensure coordinated international support to Syria’s socio-economic recovery?” This workshop aims to analyze the key challenges in Syria’s socio-economic recovery and explore potential strategies for stabilization and job creation following the conference’s ministerial discussions.
In conclusion, the Ninth Brussels Conference represents a significant step in affirming international commitment to supporting the Syrian people during a critical transition period. The collaborative efforts of the European Union and United Nations aim to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term recovery goals. The focus on a Syrian-led transition and coordinated international assistance emphasizes the importance of a united response to the ongoing challenges faced by the Syrian population, ultimately striving for peace and prosperity in the region.
Original Source: unric.org
